Head of Component IRTEQA Project

Assignment period: 01.07.2026 - 30.06.2027Location: DamascusType of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour lawType of employment: FulltimeGIZ has been operating in Syria since 1976. It has thus established valuable contacts in civil society and garnered experience that is now crucial for supporting the country. From 2013 onwards, it worked without government involvement with the assistance of local non-governmental organisations. Despite the difficult conditions, GIZ has consistently contributed to improving people’s living conditions.In view of the developments since December 2024, which have led Syria into a decisive phase of transformation, GIZ plans to reopen its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing several projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office, with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. Throughout this year, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by additional new projects.The project “IRTEQA – Enhancing the Political Transition in Syria”, commissioned by the Federal Foreign Office with co-financing from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA DK), aims to support a peaceful, inclusive and legitimate political transition in Syria. The initiative strengthens the capacity of Syrian national institutions to steer key transition processes and improves the conditions for trust and structured engagement between transitional institutions and relevant stakeholders. IRTEQA combines institutional capacity development, coordination support and dialogue facilitation. The project provides demand-driven expertise in areas such as civil peace, transitional justice and public policy, while fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement and strengthening access to reliable information to support fact-based public discourse. Through these measures, IRTEQA contributes to advancing core transition processes in an inclusive and accountable manner and strengthening the legitimacy and stability of Syria’s political transition.Your tasks* Coordinating technical inputs across project components and ensuring coherence and alignment with overall project objectives * Managing a multinational project team, ensuring team coordination and supervision, and coordinating the work of consultants * Maintaining close work relationships with key stakeholders and partners, relevant political and institutional actors and implementing organisations to ensure effective project implementation * Supporting the Programme Manager in the operational implementation of IRTEQA project and ensuring the effective coordination of technical, organisational, and administrative activities * Ensuring operational business continuity and compliance in times of disruption by safeguarding project operations, assets, data and emergency procedures in line with internal regulations * Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the managementYour profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)* University degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in political science, international relations, public administration, development studies, economics or a related field * Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in development cooperation, stabilisation, governance or peacebuilding programmes in fragile and conflict-affected contexts * Strong experience in managing and leading international teams, consultants and implementing partners * Experience in project management and operational coordination of complex programmes including planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities * Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes involving international organisations, governmental actors and civil society partners * Excellent coordination and communication skills including the ability to work with diverse stakeholders in politically sensitive environments * Strong analytical and political judgement with the ability to navigate complex governance and conflict contexts * Solid knowledge of project management tools, monitoring frameworks and reporting processes * Ability to ensure compliance with organisational procedures and risk management requirements * High level of reliability, diplomatic sensitivity and intercultural competence * Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an assetHOW TO APPLYThe following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:1. Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process. 2. Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.The deadline for application is 31.03.2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.GIZ is committed to diversity and gender balance. It is encouraging persons with disabilities to apply for the position.Please submit your application to [email protected] indicating in the subject line the respective title of the position.